About the Webinar
With ecological collapse looming large—potentially surpassing the threat of climate change—it’s clear that humanity’s alteration and exploitation of landscapes pose the greatest danger to global biodiversity. Landscape architects play a vital role in reversing this trend by planning and designing places that promote ecological resilience.
In this webinar, landscape architect Alexandra Steed will explore Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), a framework for enhancing biodiversity through development. Drawing from her 20 years of experience in the UK and internationally, she will discuss practical approaches for scaling BNG, offering real-world examples. This session will provide tools for creating landscapes that restore and support biodiversity while contributing to global regeneration and climate adaptation.
Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 2:00 ET
Note: This event will be held in English with French translation services provided.
Recommended Resources
- Biodiversity Metrics and Guides
- UK Government Environment Act 2021
- Natural England BNG Resources
- The Landscape Institute - Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance
- Professor David Hill Podcast (Hill introduced the concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) to the UK)
About the Presenter
Alexandra Steed, FLI, FRSA, is a landscape architect and founder of the studio URBAN, which she established in London in 2013. Before starting her own practice, Steed led the Martha Schwartz Partners London Office and the Design Studio at AECOM London, gaining extensive experience in large-scale landscape design and sustainability.
Steed is an advocate for integrating biodiversity and regenerative design into landscapes that support ecological health and resilient communities. She serves as an advisor to organizations such as the Design Council UK and the Government’s Office for Place, and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia's School of Landscape Architecture. She is also a Fellow of the Landscape Institute and the Royal Society of Arts.
Her work has garnered multiple awards, including the WAFX Award for innovative solutions to global challenges, the Landscape Institute Award for excellence in tackling climate change, and Best Landscape Architecture Project in the UK. Steed was also shortlisted for the Sir David Attenborough Award, recognizing her dedication to biodiversity conservation. She is the author of Portrait to Landscape: A Landscape Strategy to Reframe Our Future.
This webinar is offered through landADAPT:
A new continuing education program to promote building capacity through professional development opportunities for Canadian landscape architects, supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Program.